BORONGAN City, Eastern Samar, Nov. 2, 2014—To mark super typhoon Yolanda’s first year anniversary, the Diocese of Borongan has a host of activities lined up.
Themed “The Challenge of Yolanda: the Courage to Hope,” these activities aim to commemorate, not only the thousands who have fallen, but to celebrate the thousands more who survived the typhoon, as well as to thank the individuals and groups that helped and continue to help in the rescue, recovery, rehabilitation, and relief efforts in the communities affected.
At 4 p.m. on Nov. 8, exactly one year after the disaster, a Diocesan Eucharistic Celebration will be held in the town plaza of Guiuan, one of the places most seriously devastated by Yolanda, having almost been wiped off the map.
Ordinary Guiuan folk, representatives of various Borongan parishes, local and international non-government organizations (NGOs), government officials, among many others are expected to attend the Mass, which will be said specifically for the eternal repose of Yolanda casualties, continued hope and courage for all typhoon survivors, and gratitude and blessings for donors and volunteers.
For the liturgy guide, those interesed may visit the link: www.facebook.com/notes/diocese-of-borongan/commemorative-oratio-imperataon-the-occasion-of-the-anniversary-of-super-typhoon/731681520202490.
At 6 p.m. on the same day, all parish churches and barangay chapels will conduct a simultaneous pealing of church bells.
For nine conscutive days (from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7), the faithful are requested to recite an “Oratio Imperata” after each Mass in all parishes and chapels of the diocese.
To read the text of the prayer, click www.facebook.com/notes/diocese-of-borongan/commemorative-oratio-imperataon-the-occasion-of-the-anniversary-of-super-typhoon/731681520202490.
Moreover, a “Vigil Triduum,” a one-hour, three-day Eucharistic adoration which all parishes under the Borongan see are encouraged to observe is scheduled from Nov. 5 to 7. (Raymond A. Sebastián)